Precise patterning of the SEBS surface by UV lithography to evaluate the platelet function through single platelet adhesion

Abstract

Platelets have exhibited capabilities beyond clotting in recent years. Most of their functions are related to the nature of platelet adhesion. Establishing a facile method to understand the platelet adhesion and assess the platelet function through the mechanism and mechanics of adhesion is highly desired. Here, we report a generally applicable UV lithography technique with a photomask, which performs selective surface functionalization on large substrate areas, for creating stable, physical adhesive sites in the range of 12 μm to 3 μm. Our study demonstrated that the patterned surface facilitated probing of single platelet adhesion in a quantitative manner, and rendered platelets sensitive to adhesive proteins even at a low protein concentration. In addition, the platelet function in the presence of antiplatelet (anticancer) agents on platelets could be accurately estimated based on single platelet adhesion (SPA). This work paves a new way to understand and assess the blood platelet function. The SPA assay methodology has the potential to enable a rapid, accurate point-of-care platform suitable for evaluation of platelet function, detection of dysfunctional platelets, and assay of drug effects on platelets in cancer patients.